NANS secures release of detained Polytechnic Ibadan students after EFCC operation

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has secured the release of all detained students of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, following an EFCC operation in which the students were arrested.

NANS said it intervened to ensure that the affected students could participate in their ongoing examinations.

The intervention, according to a statement issued on behalf of the association on Tuesday by the Chief Press Secretary, Office of the National Financial Secretary, NANS, Kamaldeen Ilias A, was led by the National Financial Secretary of NANS, Alao John Oluwadamilola, alongside the Student Union President, Fagbemi Nurudeen Ojo, and other members of the student union cabinet.

“NANS delegation engaged relevant authorities after receiving concerns over the detention of students of the institution, with particular emphasis on protecting the students’ academic interests during the ongoing examination period,” the statement read.

According to NANS, the intervention was necessitated by concerns that the detention could disrupt the students’ ability to sit for examinations for which they had prepared.

Following the engagement, the detained students were released, allowing them to return to their academic responsibilities and participate in their examinations.

NANS commended the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), particularly the Zonal Director, ACE I Haauwa Garba Ringim, for what the association described as an understanding of the concerns raised by the student body.

“The development underscored the importance of constructive engagement between student leaders and law enforcement agencies, particularly in situations where investigations could affect students’ academic progression,” the student body said.

NANS maintained that while legitimate investigations and the fight against financial crimes remain important, such processes should, where possible, be handled in ways that minimise unnecessary disruption to students’ education.

The association also appreciated the management of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, and other individuals who contributed to facilitating the students’ return to their examinations.